History of Clos de Luz
The origins of Clos de Luz date back to 1945, when the estate’s first vines were planted by Doña Luz, the grandmother of the current owners. Today, the winery is led by Gabriel Edwards, a fifth-generation vintner with international training in Burgundy and Champagne, and experience at Viña Undurraga and Moët & Chandon. Alongside him, Nieves Edwards manages export operations, and Felipe Uribe, former head winemaker at William Fèvre Chile, serves as consultant.
The property has been in the Edwards family for five generations and remains independently managed. Its deep connection to the land is reflected not only in the age and quality of the vines, but also in the preservation of historical landmarks such as the Azuda water wheels, declared a National Historic Monument, and an adjacent 1,500-year-old indigenous cemetery, now an archaeological site.
Clos de Luz embodies a balance between tradition and innovation, combining artisanal methods with a contemporary international outlook. The estate is part of the new wave of Chilean wineries elevating the country's wine profile through terroir-focused viticulture and precision winemaking.
Region and Vineyards
Clos de Luz is located in the Almahue Valley, a sub-zone of the DO Cachapoal Valley, 150 km south of Santiago, 65 km from the Pacific Ocean, and 45 km from the Andes Mountains. This location provides ideal viticultural conditions—warm days and cold nights during the growing season create excellent phenolic ripeness while preserving acidity.
The 33-hectare vineyard is nestled on the hillsides of Mancumen Hill. Soils are granitic with volcanic quartz inclusions, offering outstanding drainage and mineral expression. The vines are ungrafted, non-clonal, and propagated via massal selection, preserving the genetic diversity and complexity of the original plantings.
Farming is sustainable, with traditional ploughing by horse and no use of chemical stabilizers in the winery. Indigenous yeasts are used for fermentation, sulfites are kept to a minimum, and no acidification or additives are employed. This natural approach reflects a commitment to authenticity and biodiversity.
Wine Range of Clos de Luz
- Massal 1945: Crafted from the estate’s oldest vines planted in 1945, this range includes varietal wines such as Carménère, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Malbec. All are vinified with native yeasts, aged in foudres or seasoned French oak, and built for aging and elegance.
- Azuda: Named after the historic irrigation wheels still in use on the property, this line explores Mediterranean varieties such as Garnacha and Syrah, grown on the highest slopes. Wines are lifted, fresh, and aged in used oak for purity and finesse.
- Arao: A Carménère-led blend (typically with Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah) from high-elevation plots, Arao wines are supple, juicy, and approachable—made to reflect both terroir precision and early drinkability.
- Luz: The estate’s top wine, Luz embodies the full vision and quality potential of Clos de Luz. Made in very limited quantities, it is the ultimate expression of the vineyard’s history, massal vines, and hillside terroir.
Did you know?
Clos de Luz is one of the few Chilean wineries still using the historic Azuda water wheels—wooden irrigation devices powered by the valley’s rivers. These wheels, declared a National Heritage Monument, are a living emblem of the winery’s commitment to tradition and sustainability.
